Crestline softball coach Ron Shumate steps down

Former Bulldogs player Jackie Flinders to take over program

1:23 AM,
Jul. 6, 2013

In this 2009 file photo, Crestline coach Ron Shumate encourages his team from the third bases coaches box during a Division IV state softball semifinal in Akron. After 19 years with the program, and seven as the head coach, Shumate is stepping down.

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Ron Shumate has plenty of fond memories from his years with the Crestline softball team. That's why his decision to step down after seven seasons as the head coach - 19 total including his time as an assistant - was such a difficult one.

"Working with Heath Sager was one of the best memories, he's the one that got me started back in 1995," Shumate said. "Working with all of the good kids and seeing everybody succeed was a lot of fun."

During his time at the helm of the Bulldogs program, Shumate led the team to district titles in 2007, 2009 and 2011, winning a regional title in 2009. He was also an assistant ...